Windows XP MAME 32 ROMs not running smoothly

[DruDown]

I just began to play around with MAME and ROMs a few days ago.  When I ran the ROMs, they did not run at a smooth pace.  I tried to adjust the frameskip rate, (this used to work for an old NES emulator I had before), but the speed of the game was REALLY off and the sound wasn't synced right.  I am using a Dell Laptop with an AMD processor and running Windows XP.  I am new at this... so hopefully there is something simple that I am missing.  Thanks for any help!!!

[iAtoria]

Could you be more specific on the specs of your laptop (ie speed of processor (GHz), amount of memory (RAM), video card)?

Also, check you task manager (press Ctrl+Alt+Del => Task Manager) and see if there are any processes eating up your memory.  This could be in the form of 4-5 firefox tabs, another game, anti-virus software, etc.

[Endaar]

What ROM(s)?

[DruDown]

I am trying to run some simple ROMs aka Burgertime and Popeye (I'm a sucker for the classics).  I have 512 processor, Dell Inspiron 1501.  I am planning on building an arcade cabinet from a computer that I am picking up from my university's computer sale.  I am leery of spending the money necessary to complete this project if my current computer can't run these simple ROMS.
Computer Specs:
Dell Laptop 1501 Inspiron
AMD Turion 64 Mobile
1.99 GHz
896 MB RAM
This info was taken from the system folder in control panel.  I think when I bought the computer, it was a .5 GHz processor and 1 MB RAM.  I am not sure, it was three years ago.
I also tried running Bubble Bobble 3, and it honestly runs better than Popeye and Burgertime.
Thanks again!!!

[severdhed]

that machine should have no problems running burger time...what version of mame are you using?  do you have the proper version of the rom for that version of mame?

[DruDown]

There are different versions of ROMs for different versions of MAME?  Wow... I am an idiot.  I guess I should have spent a little more time researching that...  Hey, thanks to all who helped me and for having patience with somebody new to this hobby.

[Bluedeath]

check your screen refresh rate in windows also.